You could say plenty of negative things about our politicians. That they are corrupt, opportunistic, deceitful, etc. But what you cannot deny is that they have a sense of humour. Unlike the fragile egos which straddle across our TV screens, our netas have the ability to laugh, be laughed at, and to laugh amongst themselves.

It is just that Lalu is laughing at the people of India he has fooled.

The basic train fare may not have gone up for the people travelling in the general compartment but what about those who travel by reserved compartments. Reservation fee has gone up, a new tatkal scheme has been introduced where the fare is double and not refundable and there is waiting list in tatkal. The number of reserved accommodation under tatkal has gone up at the expense of the regular reservation. The lower and middle class passengers are the most affected by this tatkal scheme. If one likes to travel on a week end by reserving his ticket, this has to be done 2 months in advance, but the tatkal tickets (10%) are available just a week in advance. Strange!